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Tashkent residents are increasingly complaining about overcrowded metro cars during peak hours. In the morning, afternoon, and evening hours, the situation at the stations becomes unbearable: many passengers find it difficult not only to enter the cars but also to exit them. The most crowded times are between 8 AM and 11 AM and from 5 PM to 8 PM, when students and workers are traveling en masse to their destinations or returning home. The Tashkent “rush hour” often lasts at least three hours.
In this regard, passengers in the “Potrebitel.uz” community suggested an unusual solution to the problem — to introduce the profession of “oshiyas,” as in Japanese metro systems. Oshiyas are specially trained workers whose job is to “push” passengers into the cars, helping to prevent train delays and distribute the passenger flow more evenly.
Who are the oshiyas?
The profession of “oshiya” originated in Japan, where the number of metro passengers has long exceeded the infrastructure’s capacity. These workers, dressed in special uniforms, help passengers enter overcrowded cars during peak hours. They gently, but firmly, push people into the cars so the doors can close. Thanks to their help, trains depart on time, and passengers can reach their destinations even under the conditions of packed cars.
This system helps reduce platform congestion and speed up the boarding process. Although the job of an oshiya might seem strange at first glance, it effectively solves the problem of metro overcrowding and helps maintain schedule accuracy.
The problem of the Tashkent metro
Overcrowding issues in the Tashkent metro have become especially noticeable in recent years. During peak hours, when large numbers of students and workers are trying to reach educational institutions and offices, the cars fill up quickly. Passengers find it difficult not only to get a seat but even to simply enter the car, let alone exit at the desired station.
Many residents are proposing other possible solutions. One of them is to relocate universities and large educational institutions outside the city. This would help ease the load on the metro, as students make up the majority of passengers during the morning and evening hours.
It was recently announced that Tashkent Metro is planning a large-scale purchase of new train cars from Russia.
The text has been translated by AI. For more accurate information, please refer to the Russian version of the article
